Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320-111 Airplanes and Model A320-200 Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A320-111 airplanes and Model A320-200 series airplanes. This AD requires post-maintenance bleeding of accumulated air from, or ground functional testing of, the ram air turbine (RAT) system; modifying and reidentifying the airborne ground check module of the RAT system; and replacing the RAT reducer assembly if applicable. This AD is prompted by reports of unsuccessful in-flight RAT tests during which a deployed RAT failed to pressurize the blue hydraulic circuit of the RAT system. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the RAT during an in-flight emergency, which could lead to loss of hydraulic and electrical power and reduced controllability of the airplane.